We are seeking to appoint a permanent post of Lecturer in Robot Learning, to contribute to and support the development of Teaching & Learning, Research, and Knowledge Exchange within the School of Engineering at UWE Bristol.
This role is offered as a full-time appointment (100%) and presents a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of engineering education within the multidisciplinary fields of Robotics, Autonomous Systems, AI, and Engineering. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and delivering both fundamental knowledge and innovative engineering content, providing mentorship to students, and contributing to research initiatives. We are particularly interested in candidates who combine a strong academic background with practical hands-on industry experience, specifically in applying systems engineering principles to robotics and autonomous systems. The subject basis of the role is Robot Learning, with additional expertise in areas such as perception, task and motion planning, and control being highly valued.
Candidates should be qualified to PhD degree level (or near to completion) in Robotics, AI or a related discipline, or, if from a professional practice/industry background, a qualification equivalent to postgraduate degree level (or above) in a related discipline, together with professional/industry experience. Whilst not mandatory, a teaching qualification and prior experience in higher education instruction are highly desirable.
Individuals with a research-oriented mindset will have the opportunity to pursue their intellectual interests within a dynamic community of research-active staff in the School of Engineering and the world-renowned Bristol Robotics Laboratory. With the support of senior staff, you will have the opportunity to engage with ongoing projects and contribute to scholarly activities such as publications and proposal development. If you have an established research portfolio or clear plans to develop one within the scope of Robot Learning, we encourage you to apply.
Join us to inspire the next generation of engineers, drive cutting-edge research, and collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future.
About you
We require candidates who have a broad set of skills, enabling them to teach in-depth knowledge of academic theory and/or practice in core concepts of Robotics and AI, and to guide students through concepts related to robotics, such as perception, task and motion planning, control and robot learning. Capability in applying systems engineering principles to robotics and digital twin applications is also welcome.
The successful applicant will have, or be near to the completion of, a Doctoral-level qualification in Robotics, AI, or a related discipline. If from a professional practice/industry background, a qualification equivalent to postgraduate degree level (or above) in a related discipline, together with professional/industry experience. A teaching qualification and experience of teaching in higher education are advantageous.
Experience working in or collaborating with the relevant industry is essential, and there will be opportunities to work with industrial partners on knowledge-exchange projects. Thus, candidates should be able to demonstrate continuous professional growth in relevant subject areas. A portfolio of research that relates to the University’s Transforming Futures Research Strategy 2020-2030, aligned to topics such as Harnessing Creativity and Technology and being in line with the University’s ethics, is essential. As a School of Engineering, we create a safe and inclusive work environment for all, and we are passionate about building teams with diverse thought and lived experience. Our School has held the Athena Swan Bronze award since 2015, and we continue to seek this charter mark. We, in Engineering, have a global outlook through our International and National partnerships and the respective diversity of our staff and students.
Please read the job description carefully for the essential and desired requirements.
Where is this role based?
This post is based at our lively Frenchay campus, where we have invested in the latest facilities and resources to give both our staff and students access to everything they need to succeed.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in Bristol, one of the UK’s most exciting and forward-thinking cities, we are regionally embedded and globally connected, with an established network of employer and academic partners.
We offer a wide range of employee benefits, including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and career average pension schemes, as well as retail savings, an onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.
We also provide a tailored professional programme to support our academic colleagues in delivering the highest professional teaching standards.
Add your individuality to ours
UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community.
We are proud to be part of a vibrant, multicultural city that celebrates diversity, we’re always looking for talented people from all backgrounds to join us. Our people are our strength, and diversity enhances our creativity and leads to better decision-making and problem-solving. Bring your talent and ambition to our growing community and find yourself in a stimulating and supportive environment where you’ll thrive.
We particularly encourage applications from Global Majority background and/or female candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area of the organisation, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit. As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from those who identify as having a disability.
Further information
If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role, please contact Rana Al Barazi ([email protected]) or Lars Kunze ([email protected]).
This is a permanent post and is full-time working on a 100% contract.
This post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part-time.
UWE Bristol is a campus-based University, and it is vital to our success and the delivery of an outstanding experience for our students that our campuses are dynamic and vibrant places to learn and spend time. This role is therefore campus based with some opportunity for remote/home working.
We may be able to sponsor qualifying candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please read our Skilled Worker Guidance to assess if you will be eligible to be sponsored under the criteria.
Please also refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist which provides details of which documents are acceptable to prove your right to work in the UK. Should you be shortlisted you will be asked to produce your right to work documents at your interview.
Please note that UWE does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.
Advice to applicants
We’d love to hear from you - if you are excited about joining us at UWE please complete our application form as soon as possible.
Tell us about how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role by describing how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the Job Description and include specific examples wherever possible.
Once we have completed shortlisting, we will let you know the outcome of your application by email, so please check your inbox for updates.
